Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), also known as cot death or crib death, happens when a newborn dies without any medical history. The reason behind the baby's death remains unclear even after autopsy and detailed investigation.
In 2011, SIDS was the third leading cause of infant mortality rate in the U.S. There is no clear-cut way to prevent SIDS, but you can take the following steps to avoid the occurrence.
1. Babies should be laid on their backs rather than on stomach or side while sleeping. Positioning the baby otherwise can put it at a risk of suffocation. According to WebMD, babies that generally sleep on their back and are then made to sleep on the stomach have higher chances of SIDS.
2. Avoid smoking near your baby. Smoking is harmful for everyone, let alone babies. Smoking mothers put their babies at a threefold higher risk when compared with non-smokers. Also do not allow anyone to smoke near your baby.
3. The longer you breastfeed your baby, lower the chances of SIDS. According to researchers, breastfeeding for longer time reduces the risk of SIDS by 50 percent. Also never consume alcohol until your baby is breastfed. It increases the risk of cot death.
4. Health experts have warned against sharing a bed with an infant. This will only increase the chances of SIDS. However, some studies have shown that babies sleeping in the same room as mothers have lower risks of crib death. But that does not mean bed sharing is advisable.
5. Your baby's bed should be firm instead of soft. Do not crowd it with toys. This will lead to smothering and suffocation.
